The chapter unfolds the mystery behind Beloved’s true character. The writer uses several phrases symbolically, relating the occurrences in the story with the real situations. Morrison describes the level of panic that Denver encounters. The “drowning” experience by Denver represents the several drownings undergone by slaves in the Atlantic Ocean(Hsiao p.430). The rocking and moaning depicted by Beloved demonstrate the experience of holding the slaves’ ship curled in the darkness with little light through the cracks above it.
The chapter develops some topics that are cultivated in our society. The issue of spiritualism is highlighted in the text. Beloved’s behavior and statements show that she is perhaps more than a ghost (Hsiao p.435). Denver is convinced and believes that Beloved is a rebirth ghost. From page 435, we are told that Denver and Beloved entered the shed for cider, and when the door banged shut and darkness fell, Denver wept because she feared that Beloved had disappeared. In a moment, Beloved reappears “Like a spoiled, manipulative toddler.” Such behaviors only resemble that of a ghost.
There is evidence of racism. Because Beloved remained adamant of her origin when asked, Seth says that probably Beloved was locked away by the white male who once abused her. The fact that the whites abused her is clear evidence of racism. A character of friendship is also highlighted. Both Seth and Denver are eager to know the origin of Beloved, but the latter provides insubstantial answers.
From the entire chapter, it is true that both Seth and Denver are overcome more by Beloved’s power. And as Morrison reveals, she represents more than the dead child(Hsiao p.432). Beloved also represents the slaves cleared from history. Seth and Denver must, therefore, overcome this power to create a better life for themselves in the near future.
Work Cited
Hsiao, Cheng. Analysis of Panel Data. Cambridge University Press, 2014.
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